August is nearly here and turning the calendar reminds us how fleeting and strange this summer has been. Plans postponed, memories missed, and bad news is often hard to avoid. We weren’t meant to live so seriously.
G.K. Chesterton said, “The true object of all human life is play.” I think he was right about that. Let’s put our energy where it’s most valuable. Let’s be playful!
The true object of all human life is play.G.K. Chesterton
Friday
Speaking of play, the Mankato Playhouse will be putting on showings of Forever Plaid all weekend long. The show is heartwarming and funny, exactly what we need right now, with limited seats available for delicious dinner before the performance.
Plant lovers check out the free Adult Craft Night put on by the North Mankato Taylor Library from 6:00-7:30. Together (but 6 feet apart) you’ll be making hanging succulent planters. All materials provided, just register in advance. Then from 7:30-10:00 Spring Lake Park is hosting another 21+ swim night. Grab your Hawaiian shirt for this Tropics themed event.
Saturday
Don’t want to be up at 7:30 on a Saturday? Sure, totally understandable. But for donuts? Sign me up. River Valley Running has 5k and 10k routes planned and at the end of run is, you guessed it, delicious, delicious donuts!
Then get your head in the game for the Atlantis Hobby Grand Opening from noon to 9:00 p.m. This brand-new combination aquarium and gaming supply store is kicking off an opening week full of free gaming events. Prizes and giveaways galore!
Finish off the first day of August with Dogust: the 507 Pups on the Patio event. Sit, stay, and fetch some treats with pups welcome from 5:00-8:00 pm on the patio. Don’t have a dog? Don’t worry, BENCHS will be bringing some along. A percentage of all proceeds will go to support BENCHS.
Sunday
We’re playing tunes all day Sunday. Just take your pick!
Jim Lenway will be playing Simon and Garfunkel, Beatles, and James Taylor hits at Indian Island Winery from 1:00-3:30. Killintime is at the Landing on Madison from 3:00-6:00. Javens Family Vineyard and Winery is hosting Ian Hilmer from 5:00-8:00 pm or you can catch Darik Elstad & Jack Schultz at the 507 from 6:00-9:00 pm.
Bonus: From Bored to Board Games
This is your friendly reminder that you never outgrew those games gathering dust in the cabinet. It doesn’t matter if it’s Dominoes, Cribbage, Monopoly, or just a good old deck of cards, dig it out and play! When the weather is bad there’s nothing better than some good music, a favorite drink, and repeatedly kicking your loved one’s butt at Aggravation.
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Weekend High Notes is a regular feature by Molly Butler. Molly covers weekend events, live music, and culture in the Greater Mankato Area. Suggestions are welcome using the MankatoLIFE contact form.
Additional Links
- North Mankato Taylor Library in the MankatoLIFE Attractions Directory
- Spring Lake Park in the MankatoLIFE Attractions Directory
- The 507 in the MankatoLIFE Bars & Restaurants Directory
- Indian Island Winery in the MankatoLIFE Attractions Directory
- The Landing on Madison in the MankatoLIFE Bar & Restaurants Directory
- Javens Family Vineyard and Winery in the MankatoLIFE Attractions Directory
